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Sunday, April 27, 2008

2008 Colorado ACFW Writer’s Retreat

It’s amazing how much you can squeeze into 24 hours! The Colorado ACFW writer’s retreat was wonderful. It was fun to have so many ACFW members together in one place.

We met at Camp Eden in the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The wind was whipping and the snow was flying, but I was warmed by the friendships of 19 talented, God-loving writers and the huge fireplace in our meeting area.

The event was led by Paula Moldenhauer who took us deep into God’s word and purposes and challenges and encouragements. The topic of the retreat was Courage to Pursue Your Writing Dreams.

A part of the retreat I loved most was the beautiful prayers that Paula penned for us to share at the beginning of each part of the workshop. They were tender, God-inspired prayers, and I’ll tuck them away for future blessings.

Kim Woodhouse is at the keyboard. She provided our worship music.

The accommodations were clean and the food was good. However, I haven’t stayed in a dormitory-style room since 4-H Camp, many, many years ago! This is the room I shared with several other women. Can you believe that none of us were snorers?

Of course, I was fortunate enough to get the private suite. :) I advocate always carrying a tablecloth in your car. You never know when you’ll need it. I use mine when I eat lunch on the concrete picnic table outside the office building where I go to my day job. It also comes in handy when you’re eating outside at a casual café or coffee shop. (Yes, I know I spoil myself—but my friends also enjoy the luxury of my tablecloth when they join me.)

This is the view from the bunkhouse deck. Isn't it beautiful?

We had some fun and played some games. This is a photo of Stuart and Tiff Stockton giving away prizes. He's really got that Vanna-pose down, doesn't he? BTW, the retreat hosted 19 women and one man. Stuart’s a good guy to enjoy the company of 19 women for 24+ hours.

These are the views from the meeting room:

I can never get over the thrill of driving on mountain roads. See that? No guard rail. You don't want to slip off this road! These trees are taller than they appear. The base of the trunks are several feet below the surface of the road.

Some of the roads are even scarier. I put the car in "park" to take this photo. :)

Your pictures are great, Megan! Again, I'm sooo glad you came. It was a wonderful 24 hours. God is good. . . . and I loved sharing one of my favorite places with our Colorado ACFWers. (Yeah, I know, I'm a little prejudiced about the beauty of "my" mountains. LOL)

I'm thinking this is going to become an annual event. At least I sure hope so!